Friday, January 30, 2026
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Roper St. Francis Foundation redirects canceled celebration resources, supports caregivers and community during winter weather
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Following the cancellation of the Annual Roper Xavier Society Celebration, the Roper St. Francis Foundation is redirecting 600 prepared meals and dozens of floral arrangements this weekend to support caregivers, patients and community members across the Lowcountry, as sweeping winter weather approaches the region.
With winter weather advisories issued, the Foundation decided to cancel the annual celebration and worked quickly to ensure resources prepared for the evening could be put to immediate use.
Prepared meals are being shared with Roper St. Francis Healthcare teammates who will remain onsite at hospitals to continue caring for patients throughout the weather event. Additional meals are being delivered to local shelters and warming centers, while floral arrangements are being distributed across Roper St. Francis Healthcare hospitals to provide comfort and encouragement to patients, caregivers and staff.
“We recognized we had tremendous resources, including some really wonderful meals that we didn’t want to go to waste,” said Roper St. Francis Healthcare Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Megan Baker. “As we prepare for this weather event, we encourage everyone in the community to make sure they have preparations on hand and to check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly.”
The Annual Roper Xavier Society Celebration was planned as an evening of gratitude, bringing together philanthropic supporters to celebrate the impact of their generosity and to recognize individuals whose commitment and service exemplify that impact. In 2025, the Roper St. Francis Foundation received more than $33 million in philanthropy and nonprofit grants, and more than $16 million in government grants. Together, this support helped advance $86 million toward the $100 million goal of Imagine: The Campaign for Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
“While we were disappointed not to gather as planned, it was important to us that the resources prepared for this evening continue to serve a meaningful purpose, supporting our caregivers who are caring for patients and extending help to members of our community during this weather event,” said Tony Burchard, President of the Roper St. Francis Foundation and Vice President of Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
The Foundation also expressed gratitude to the many sponsors whose generosity made the Annual Roper Xavier Society Celebration possible. The event was presented by the joint venture team of Barton Malow and Edifice General Contractors, along with numerous additional sponsors whose support helps ensure philanthropic resources are directed toward patient care, caregivers and community programs.